Unexpected windfall...10 days vacation...where would you go?
Aug 3rd, 2005, 03:34 PM
#22
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Kavey,
If I thought there was even the remotest chance that this person would consider Zambia, I would have done my spiel, as I have done time and time again in the past, and as I did minutes afterward or before to another newbie poster.
When a person posts to four different boards, they are not serious. Nowhere in the post was wildlife mentioned. Also, the fact that this person just copied and pasted their post onto each different message board, without even taking the time to personalize, or to express any specific interest in Africa was a real turn-off.
I know that others are not mind readers and some may have construed the original message differently, but again, what it said to me was that this person really does not care about Africa, didn't care to greet us, didn't care to thank us, etc. Hopefully this person will stay home and learn some manners before continuing to circle the globe.
If I thought there was even the remotest chance that this person would consider Zambia, I would have done my spiel, as I have done time and time again in the past, and as I did minutes afterward or before to another newbie poster.
When a person posts to four different boards, they are not serious. Nowhere in the post was wildlife mentioned. Also, the fact that this person just copied and pasted their post onto each different message board, without even taking the time to personalize, or to express any specific interest in Africa was a real turn-off.
I know that others are not mind readers and some may have construed the original message differently, but again, what it said to me was that this person really does not care about Africa, didn't care to greet us, didn't care to thank us, etc. Hopefully this person will stay home and learn some manners before continuing to circle the globe.
Aug 3rd, 2005, 05:13 PM
#24
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I'd like to chime in here.
I have only been to Africa once and I will be very lucky to make it back within the next decade. However, this forum was very informative to me before my trip last year and continues to have good information. I also enjoy reading the trip reports.
For many of you who are fortunate enough to go to Africa annually all of this becomes second nature. But some of the questions that I think you may find mundane at times can actually be serious inquiries by a newbie to the continent. I don't think it would hurt to answer some of their questions seriously (a little humor included never hurts). For all you know, the person you are jokingly encouraging to call "kitty, kitty" might actually take you serious and end up in your safari vehicle.
Rocco has a point but Kavey does as well. I think the main reason I am posting this is because I am increasingly seeing more flippant responses to questions that are questionable themselves but could be quite innocent.
The main attraction I initially had to this site was how helpful such seasoned travelers were to the novice (myself).
I hope it stays that way.
I have only been to Africa once and I will be very lucky to make it back within the next decade. However, this forum was very informative to me before my trip last year and continues to have good information. I also enjoy reading the trip reports.
For many of you who are fortunate enough to go to Africa annually all of this becomes second nature. But some of the questions that I think you may find mundane at times can actually be serious inquiries by a newbie to the continent. I don't think it would hurt to answer some of their questions seriously (a little humor included never hurts). For all you know, the person you are jokingly encouraging to call "kitty, kitty" might actually take you serious and end up in your safari vehicle.
Rocco has a point but Kavey does as well. I think the main reason I am posting this is because I am increasingly seeing more flippant responses to questions that are questionable themselves but could be quite innocent.
The main attraction I initially had to this site was how helpful such seasoned travelers were to the novice (myself).
I hope it stays that way.
Aug 3rd, 2005, 06:11 PM
#25
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It is worth noting that on the other three forums where this question was posed, there have so far been 24 responses, yet not even a "thank you" from the original poster.
The only reason why the original poster replied on this forum was to clarify that the budget was for two people, otherwise you would be able to add quite a few responses in here to the 24 responses received.
I sensed it would be like this from the beginning. In my eyes, this is just another species of troll. Nothing more.
The only reason why the original poster replied on this forum was to clarify that the budget was for two people, otherwise you would be able to add quite a few responses in here to the 24 responses received.
I sensed it would be like this from the beginning. In my eyes, this is just another species of troll. Nothing more.
Aug 3rd, 2005, 06:58 PM
#26
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Lisa,
Uganda/Rwanda. Gorillas. Need I say more?
However, I'm not sure the food is good (do they have ugali in Ug. and Rw.?) and that was one of the original poster's requirements.
Still waiting very patiently for my windfall.
Uganda/Rwanda. Gorillas. Need I say more?
However, I'm not sure the food is good (do they have ugali in Ug. and Rw.?) and that was one of the original poster's requirements.
Still waiting very patiently for my windfall.
Aug 4th, 2005, 01:59 AM
#27
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Rocco, come off it.
My point was that I could totally understand your decision not to contribute - I too doubt that the original poster will end up selecting an African destination though posting on four different boards in itself doesn't bother me - it just means that they are open minded at this point on where in the world they go.
My issue was solely that you felt the need to effectively pronounce your judgement of the worthiness of this thread, as though you were some all-seeing, all-knowing arbitar of worthiness!
As I said, why didn't you just ignore the thread and move on?
I'm doubting too that you psychically knew at the start that the poster would not post much or post thanks which you use as justification now.
I'm just fed up with the way this board is turning into a clique where only posts deemed worthy by the elite are treated with courtesy and others are belittled for even posting here.
No one is saying you have to waste your precious time posting if you don't feel it's worthwhile - I wouldn't waste mine either.
But what you (and Michael, according to another similar thread) see as humour is really just taking a cheap shot at someone else's expense. If that's your idea of humour, you're welcome to it.
I have seen people suggest we should all lighten up and not take things so seriously - believe me I'm not one to take life too seriously but that doesn't mean I won't call it when I see someone behaving in such a juvenile way.
My point was that I could totally understand your decision not to contribute - I too doubt that the original poster will end up selecting an African destination though posting on four different boards in itself doesn't bother me - it just means that they are open minded at this point on where in the world they go.
My issue was solely that you felt the need to effectively pronounce your judgement of the worthiness of this thread, as though you were some all-seeing, all-knowing arbitar of worthiness!
As I said, why didn't you just ignore the thread and move on?
I'm doubting too that you psychically knew at the start that the poster would not post much or post thanks which you use as justification now.
I'm just fed up with the way this board is turning into a clique where only posts deemed worthy by the elite are treated with courtesy and others are belittled for even posting here.
No one is saying you have to waste your precious time posting if you don't feel it's worthwhile - I wouldn't waste mine either.
But what you (and Michael, according to another similar thread) see as humour is really just taking a cheap shot at someone else's expense. If that's your idea of humour, you're welcome to it.
I have seen people suggest we should all lighten up and not take things so seriously - believe me I'm not one to take life too seriously but that doesn't mean I won't call it when I see someone behaving in such a juvenile way.
Aug 4th, 2005, 09:47 AM
#28
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"all-seeing, all-knowing arbitar of worthiness!"
I thought Rocco was Grand Pooh-Bah of Mauritania after yesterday's coup, seems like any self respecting dictator would consider himself in such terms
I thought Rocco was Grand Pooh-Bah of Mauritania after yesterday's coup, seems like any self respecting dictator would consider himself in such terms
Aug 4th, 2005, 11:59 AM
#31
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Kavey-at times it seems this forum more resembles a chat room than an information gathering forum as it is meant to be, but I personally have learned a lot about Africa from all the posters on this forum, especially you, Rocco, Patty, Bwanamitch, napamatt and many others. There are no stupid questions, especially for newbies such as I, and the "experts" should realize that, and if someone can't help, they shouldn't bother to respond...that is why I "practice" my questions on LonelyPlanet before posting here!
Aug 4th, 2005, 12:28 PM
#32
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No no Rocco IS hte Grand Poubah, I picture him in a Grand Poubah crown of thorns and everything!
Matnik, I think that's the thing people forget - if everyone knew everything already there wouldn't be any posts her at all!
Matnik, I think that's the thing people forget - if everyone knew everything already there wouldn't be any posts her at all!
Aug 4th, 2005, 12:34 PM
#33
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matnikstym,
I agree with you that the Fodors board can sometimes feel more like a chat room compared to other boards. But I think nowhere else will you find the depth of knowledge that you find here when it comes to specific travel related advice (other than airline related, for that I go to Flyertalk). I've been frequenting the Fodors boards for at least 5 years (but only started posting on the Africa board last year) and don't consider myself an expert on anything except how to maximize my frequent flyer mile earnings so I can travel more
so I've certainly posted my share of newbie questions. Sorry you feel like you have to post 'practice questions' on LP. Actually if you find Fodors intimidating (although I would hope that we're not an intimidating bunch), you should try posting over at Flyertalk - it'll take you at least a couple of weeks to decipher their lingo
I agree with you that the Fodors board can sometimes feel more like a chat room compared to other boards. But I think nowhere else will you find the depth of knowledge that you find here when it comes to specific travel related advice (other than airline related, for that I go to Flyertalk). I've been frequenting the Fodors boards for at least 5 years (but only started posting on the Africa board last year) and don't consider myself an expert on anything except how to maximize my frequent flyer mile earnings so I can travel more
so I've certainly posted my share of newbie questions. Sorry you feel like you have to post 'practice questions' on LP. Actually if you find Fodors intimidating (although I would hope that we're not an intimidating bunch), you should try posting over at Flyertalk - it'll take you at least a couple of weeks to decipher their lingo
Aug 4th, 2005, 12:45 PM
#34
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Matnikstym,
I am the queen of dumb questions, but I think the people on this board are soooo patient and helpful. Snarkiness is generally at a minimum.
The only problem is my imagined next- and next- and the-one-after-that safaris keep getting more and more expensive. I'm perpetually learning about new fabulous places to visit.
And to the original poster: what about Guatemala or Costa Rica if Africa's too far to fly for 7-10 days?
I am the queen of dumb questions, but I think the people on this board are soooo patient and helpful. Snarkiness is generally at a minimum.
The only problem is my imagined next- and next- and the-one-after-that safaris keep getting more and more expensive. I'm perpetually learning about new fabulous places to visit.
And to the original poster: what about Guatemala or Costa Rica if Africa's too far to fly for 7-10 days?
Aug 4th, 2005, 12:50 PM
#35
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Leely,
If the OP hadn't specified 'outside of North America', I would've suggested Belize. I think it would make a great destination for a week or so in December. Still one of our favorite trips after many years.
If the OP hadn't specified 'outside of North America', I would've suggested Belize. I think it would make a great destination for a week or so in December. Still one of our favorite trips after many years.
Aug 4th, 2005, 12:57 PM
#37
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Patty,
But he/she didn't list any countries in Central (or even South) America as places they've visited. One could live like a king on 5K there. Of course, I did my big C.A. trip in 1990, so things have probably changed a bit!
But he/she didn't list any countries in Central (or even South) America as places they've visited. One could live like a king on 5K there. Of course, I did my big C.A. trip in 1990, so things have probably changed a bit!
